The Current Buzz Newspaper Two 1 | Page 10

ENTERTAINMENT BUZZ Music’s finest found at the Hall in Muskogee By Joe Mack | Photos Courtesy Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame MUSKOGEE, Okla. – Oklahoma has generated hundreds of world-renowned entertainers, musicians, songwriters in its relatively short tenure. The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in Muskogee is working to preserve and present them at the historic Frisco Train Depot in downtown. How fitting that Muskogee hosts the OMHOF, as the city was immortalized in Merle Haggard’s hit song “Okie From Muskogee.” The Hall of Fame has certainly been one of the city’s largest thrills and cultural offerings since its opening in the Depot since 2003, and has inducted over 100 artists, institutions and icons into its fold. Upon entering the doors at OMHOF, you’re treated to wrap-around portraits and paintings of all the inductees, and a friendly staff waiting to share knowledge and anecdotes on their fellow legendary Okies, spanning from Vince Gill to The Flaming Lips, JJ Cale to Wanda Jackson, Woody Guthrie, Albert 10 | Brumley, Patti Page, Waymon Tisdale, Bob Wills & His Texas Playboys, Leon Russell, Kristin Chenoweth, Bob Childers, Carrie Underwood, and of course, Merle Haggard. Then enter an atrium where you’ll see signed memorabilia and items spanning more than 100 years of rich music history. Beyond that is the large concert hall, adorned with more memorabilia and giant paintings of some of the Hall’s most significant inductees, who oversee all of OMHOF’s events. OMHOF hosts events nearly every week, including local and nationally-renowned touring acts, as well as special events. The acoustics in the restored lengthy wooden hall make the sound sparkle, and whenever you get the chance to catch a show there, jump on it. Step outside the typically stunning music performances offered at OMHOF and throw in a dash of game show when OMHOF presents The Gong Show at 7 p.m. on www.thecurrentbuzz.net Friday, Jan. 19. This annual fundraiser benefits OMHOF directly, offers an elegant dining experience, and is a total hoot for businesses and organizations willing to put their talents to the test. For complete details and more information visit omhof.com, follow them on your favorite social media sites, nd call (918) 687-0800.